Air conditioning accounts for as much as 20 percent of the average homeowner's utility bill. These simple tips can help you reduce your mechanical cooling needs, meaning more money for you and better-quality air for the world.

These three homes--in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina--use passive cooling techniques to eliminate the need for mechanical air conditioning. Check them out and learn a few tricks for reducing--or eliminating--your AC bills this summer.

In an effort to inspire others to participate in environmental and social activism, The Timberland Company named Wyclef Jean, a Grammy-award winning musician and humanitarian, one of its seven Earthkeepers Heroes.

When a group of graduation students began designing a home on the Navajo reservation in southeast Utah, they knew keeping it cool in the desert would be an issue. Their innovative solution—a Windcatcher—is the first of its kind in the area.

Carrotmob, a project of Virgance, a company that organizes activism campaigns, works to create social change by rewarding green businesses through consumer buying. Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains more about this innovative activism group.

To encourage Americans to get the two and a half hours of exercise a week they need, a group of health experts has developed the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, which calls for increased funding for bike paths, physical education programs and fitness facilities.

In accordance with this meeting of world leaders making decisions about climate change, The Timberland Company, has launched its global campaign, “Don’t Tell Us it Can’t Be Done.” The campaign is designed as a public forum encouraging people from all over the globe to participate in environmental activism by challenging government leaders attending the conference to reduce emissions.

When choosing summer sunglasses, look for products that are both stylish and environmentally friendly. Eco-conscious companies iWood and Kayu both offer trendy lines of sunglasses made using sustainable materials and methods. These sunglasses also offer 100 percent protection from harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage eyes.

Summer marks the start of buzzing AC units, but this doesn’t have to waste energy or drain your wallet. By accessing the energy leaks in your home with a simple energy audit, you’ll save money on utility bills. Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains how to perform a home energy audit.

As our family focuses on nourishing meals and traditions, we’re practicing setting clear intentions. This week, our intention is to continue to bring joy and celebration to family meals, even when life is busy and stressful.

Bathing suit season approaches! Guest blogger Stephanie Small goes beyond the standard "portion-control-and-exercise" weight loss tips to bring you the top five truths you must know in order to drop the pounds. Look for one new tip on each Monday in May.

The Lemon Verbena Lady finds even more great herb farms to buy herbs for your herb garden in this second installment of Herb Farms A-Z. Take an adventure to an herb farm near you. It will lift your herbal spirits!

The Lemon Verbena Lady searches for herb farms across the United States that can be visited to buy herbs for spring herb gardens. Most of these herb farms are destinations you can enjoy with your family.

Gardening is for everyone, even those with disabilities who think they are unable to. The problem to overcome is how to adapt and make adjustments so hyou can grow your own organic vegetables and herbs.

A National Resources Defense Council analyst calls proposed standards “the most important actions to clean up air pollution from dirty coal-burning power plants since the Clean Air Act was last updated in 1990.”

The “Cash for Caulkers” home-retrofitting program, known as the Home Star program, is expected to pass the Senate this summer. The bill offers rebates for 13 different types of retrofits, including insulation and air and duct sealing

When the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 passes (as expected) this summer, be prepared by learning what to expect when you buy a water heater, heating system, air-source air conditioner or heat pump.

Natural Home guest blogger John Patrick explains why he and his wife, guest blogger Rebecca Selove, designed their sustainable Tennessee farmhouse for passive solar gain and a 5.17-kilowatt photovoltaic system. John and Rebecca are building their sustainable Tennessee farmhouse home to LEED Platinum standards.

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, a healthy dietary fat that will help digestion, among other things. Take advantage of the health benefits of olive oil by becoming a smart shopper. Learn how to choose the healthiest olive oils on the market.

Eating a proper diet will help your body get rid of excess estrogen, the culprit behind PMS symptoms. Prevent cramps, bloating, fatigue and mood swings by incorporating these five foods into your diet.

Omega-3s are important to brain health, reduce inflammation and are essential to reducing risk of chronic diseases. Boost your intake of this essential nutrient by turning to these good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Welcome to Mother Earth Living, the authority on green lifestyle and design. Each issue of Mother Earth Living features advice to create naturally healthy and nontoxic homes for yourself and your loved ones. With Mother Earth Living by your side, you’ll discover all the best and latest information you want on choosing natural remedies and practicing preventive medicine; cooking with a nutritious and whole-food focus; creating a nontoxic home; and gardening for food, wellness and enjoyment. Subscribe to Mother Earth Living today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

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